Mick Mulvaney was just settling in to his first year as the District 16 state senator when he started thinking about another way to represent the residents of South Carolina.

Mulvaney, 42, a Republican whose senate district includes parts of Lancaster and York counties, is now considering taking on U.S. Rep. John Spratt in the 5th District race next year. Spratt, a Democrat from York, was first elected to the seat in 1982.

Mulvaney, a businessman who lives in Indian Land, was elected to the state Senate a year ago after completing one term in the state House.

I want to thank Congressman John Spratt for demonstrating outstanding leadership in the U.S. Congress. Congressman Spratt has become one of the leading experts on both the budget and defense. I respect his knowledge of the budget and the ability that he has to build consensus on reforming health care while insisting on fiscal discipline and accountability. Congressman Spratt listens to the concerns of the people and addresses an issue in detail. When you ask him a question you will get an honest answer.

While waiting in line for the Jungle Cruise ride at Walt Disney World several years ago, I talked with a charming family from upstate New York. It was the first trip to the Sunshine State for the 11-year-old girl, her mother and father.

They were excited and chatted freely. Until they asked where we were from. At the moment I got South Carolina out of my mouth, the three almost collectively took a step back. And the chatting stopped.

The gesture was so obvious it surprised me. I couldn’t figure out why I suddenly became so offensive.